VETERAN OF THE YEAR

Veteran of the Year | VFW Department of Washington

Veteran of the Year

Honoring exceptional service, leadership, and devotion to veterans and community

About the Award

The Veteran of the Year Award honors one comrade each year whose service to veterans, their Post, and their community goes above and beyond. This individual demonstrates the highest ideals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars — sacrifice, camaraderie, and commitment to serving others.

Eligibility & Criteria

Eligibility

  • Each Post Commander may nominate one veteran per year.
  • Nominations must reflect activities between March 2025 – March 2026.
  • The written recommendation must be no longer than 300 words.

Supporting Documentation

  • Include volunteer work, community service, and veteran support activities.
  • Do not include photos or identifying information in the narrative.
  • Attachments do not count toward the 300-word limit.

Judging

  • Panel of at least three VFW members, including a Past Department Commander.
  • Personal identifiers are redacted before judging.
  • Winner announced at the Department Convention Awards Banquet.

Nomination Timeline

March 1, 2026

Posts submit nominee to District.

March 15, 2026

District submits nominee to Department.

June 2026

Award presented at the State Convention Awards Banquet.

Submission Instructions

Mail or deliver completed packets to:

Attn: Assistant Adjutant
VFW Department of Washington
5213 Pacific Highway East
Fife, WA 98424
Phone: (253) 922-2114

Electronic submissions and questions may be sent to:

Doug White
Dwhite3511@msn.com

Please include the nominee’s hat size on the form.

Nominate a Comrade Today

Recognize a veteran who embodies the VFW motto — "No One Does More For Veterans.”

Download Full Nomination Packet (PDF)
Last updated: October 2025